Information event on chronic disease

World COPD Day will be marked in Forfar today (Wednesday) with a patient information event in the Guide Hall, the Myre to increase awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

COPD is an umbrella term for a number of progressive lung diseases. The chronic lung condition is currently known to affect more than 2,045 people in Angus, but national figures suggest around the same number may also be living with currently undiagnosed COPD in Angus.

The Forfar event runs from 11am to 3pm with around 20 information stands and a series of workshops. It will be officially opened by The Dowager Countess of Strathmore and will give people affected by COPD the opportunity to access information and advice about living well with COPD. Those at risk of developing COPD can also have a quick test performed to see if they would benefit from more detailed screening for COPD and talk to the team of staff who deliver respiratory services locally.

Primary Care Manager Rhona Guild, the long term conditions lead in Angus, said: “World COPD Day reinforces the message that the earlier COPD is detected, the more effective treatment to slow or prevent further deterioration of lung function can be. Anyone who is a smoker or an ex-smoker aged over 35 years and has any of the following symptoms of breathlessness, chronic cough or bringing up phlegm,- should speak to their doctor about having their lung function checked.” For more information contact Rhona on 01307 474889; further details on World COPD Day from www.lunguk.org/media-and-campaigning/world-copd-day